A Legitimization Effect occurs where an organization is perceived to be using its resources to support a political or governing authority.

Why do negative Legitimization Effects happen?

The first reason is that interveners are not as smart as they think they are. They often do not understand the social dynamics of a community and make assumptions about local power and who wields it. They also make assumptions about how they themselves are perceived.

The second reason is that interveners often underestimate how sophisticated and intelligent local governing authorities are. Put plainly, a stupid warlord is a dead warlord. Local governing authorities have the advantage of not only living in the context, but of having developed ways of leading it. They know how to get things done. The one thing they are not is stupid.

These two reasons can add up to a naïveté on the part of interveners who assume they cannot be manipulated or co-opted. Be aware of the possibility of manipulation and prepare strategies to avoid co-optation. It is even possible to use this fact of power to help you.

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Related Topics
Substitution and legitimacy
Legitimization Effects
Legitimizing a bad actor
De-legitimizing a good actor
De-legitimizing a bad actor
Legitimizing a good actor
Resource Transfers